Ontario’s Education Minister has called out a Toronto school trustee for allegedly using board funds to purchase personal electronics and other items totaling nearly $7,000. The minister, in a letter to TCDSB trustee Markus de Domenico, demanded the return of these taxpayer-funded purchases, emphasizing the importance of utilizing resources to support students in classrooms.
De Domenico, who serves as the chair of the TCDSB, has not responded to these allegations. The minister highlighted expenditures such as multiple TV wall mounts and an expensive Apple Watch strap, questioning the appropriateness of such expenses for personal use in a part-time role focused on student achievement.
In response, trustees have accused the minister of hypocrisy, pointing to his own handling of public funds, including costly community events like barbeques. The Education Minister’s office defended his expenses, citing community traditions and emphasizing that his costs are different from those deemed personal by some trustees.
The minister’s actions, including removing powers from trustees at several school boards and threatening further changes, have sparked controversy and legal challenges from affected parties.